Member of the Campanulaceae family. Cardinal flower reaches a height of 2-4 feet, and it grows in moist soil or poorly drained areas across most of the continental United States. Its alternate leaves are lanceolate in shape and have lightly serrated edges. Leaves also have a tendency to curl inward towards their central vein. Flowers are bright red in color and tubular shaped, with a central erect structure that is topped by grey reproductive organs. Cardinal flowers are usually unbranched and are topped by a raceme of their attractive flowers. Blooms July-October.